Who is EDWARD M. GIANFORTE?
Dr. Edward M. Gianforte, who passed away on January 24, 2013, at the age of 85 in Allentown, was a distinguished figure in the fields of medical microbiology, radiology, and cancer research. Born in New Haven, CT, to Joseph and Grace Gianforte, he embarked on an impressive academic journey, obtaining graduate degrees from the University of Connecticut, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on medical microbiology and pathogenesis. His research contributions extended to Yale, where he conducted pioneering work in cancer research. As a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, he chaired an International Conference on pulmonary diseases and authored numerous scientific papers. Dr. Gianforte was also a past member of the American Society of Microbiologists and held board certification in Radiology, specializing in medicine and radiology. He further served as an Environmental Physician, Chairman of the Infectious Control Committee, and Clinical Radiologist at the Allentown Veterans Clinic, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to science and healthcare.
What is THE EDWARD M. GIANFORTE LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY?
Dr. Edward M. Gianforte, a medical microbiologist and radiologist, became the largest individual donor in the 70-year history of the Lehigh Conference of Churches. Following his passing in 2013, Dr. Gianforte, who had no previous association with the Conference, bequeathed $700,000, sustaining the Conference's kitchen for over a decade. His extraordinary generosity over nearly a decade inspires us to honor his memory by encouraging others to emulate his spirit of giving.
The Gianforte Leadership Giving Society honors individuals, families, and organizations who lead by example through their annual gift of $1,000 or more to the Conference. Contributions will be designated to the Gianforte Fund, where the funds will be allocated to the Conference's programs in greatest need, at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Last year, Gianforte's funds were instrumental in providing over 72,000 meals to the community, purchasing and distributing more than 14,000 toiletries and bus passes, and enabling clients to access over 50,000 support services in 2023.
Have questions? Contact Christopher Moran at: cmoran@lehighchurches.org.
Mailing Instructions
Please return the form below, if making the pledge in installments. If making an outright gift write a check with these details included. All checks should be payable to the: “Lehigh Conference of Churches,” writing “Gianforte Leadership Society” in the memo.
Please mail checks to:
The Lehigh Conference of Churches
Attn: Christopher Moran
457 W. Allen St, Allentown, PA 18102
Online Instructions
If you choose to make an outright gift or fulfill your pledge online, please follow these steps:
- Go to lehighchurches.org.
- Click on the "Donate" option at the top of the page.
- Choose "One-time donation or recurring gift"
- Under the "Please direct my support" section, select "The Edward M. Gianforte Leadership Giving "
- Please select between the “one-time” and “ongoing” tab. If you select “ongoing” please choose your preferred contribution frequency and customize the giving date.
- Select your desired donation amount.
- Complete the donation process.
Why become a MEMBER?
For over six and a half decades, the Lehigh Conference of Churches has been committed to tending to the needs of those experiencing hunger, homelessness, and disabilities. Through our steadfast efforts in delivering aid, fostering support, and creating opportunities, our organization has enabled the most disadvantaged individuals in our community to embark on paths toward greater self-sufficiency and personal autonomy. None of this vital work would be possible without the generous contributions from our dedicated donors across our diverse range of programs.
Conference kitchen Meals served
Supportive services accessed
2024 Statistics
Bus passes and toiletries distributed
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David Leber
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Malcolm West
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Gary & Kelly Carney
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Kenneth Carlson
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Kimberly Metz
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Andrew & Pam Weiss
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Ed & Anne Miller
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Christine Nelson
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David Torrey
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John & Jenny Kemps
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Juan & Judith Albornoz
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Phyllis Kempf
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Marc & Joann Basist
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Anthony Muir
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Frances Heussman
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Israel Olivieri
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Tom & Janice Stephens